Coco de Mer on ebay?

[Zeeth]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Coco-De-Mer-Double-Coconut-Rare-HUGE-Palm-Tree-Seed_W0QQitemZ160405057431QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2558e2ef97#ht_500wt_1182

It seems really suspicious to me, but if it is indeed real, the price is way low...

[bgl]

Well, the seller specifically says that he doesn't know if the seed is viable, and that's crucial. For all a buyer knows, the seed could be ten years old. Still a good price for something that's extremely rare, though.

[tjwalters]

"It was called Coco de Mer because Portuguese sailors found them bobbing around in the Indian Ocean..."

I thought these seeds sank, preventing the palm from increasing its distribution throughout the area. (I suppose they might have been seeing nonviable seeds floating around.)

[BS Man about Palms]

With that seller ID, the location and the 100% feedback, I wonder if its Rob Orth.

[JASON M]

It says reserve not met.. and so it could be going as high as 3,000 dollars supposedly

[Kim]

It would be helpful to know how long the seller has had it, and at least a vague idea of the source.

[Zeeth]

It would be helpful to know how long the seller has had it, and at least a vague idea of the source.

I agree, of course he doesn't have to tell the truth. And since he says it might not sprout, you can't provide negative feedback...

I wonder how much a viable seed would go for on the black market

[palmsOrl]

I'll bet you it is the real thing, since, as mentioned above, there's no telling how high the reserve is set at. Heck...it could be on par with what one costs from Ortanique. That said, the shipping is very reasonable, probably since this is not coming from overseas. I wonder if these remain viable for long periods like Cocos seeds do. Based on the architecture of the seed it seems like it would. Somebody from PalmTalk needs to win this and we'll all find out!

-Michael

[sarasota alex]

Assuming that it's fresh, how hard is it to germinate?

[bgl]

Reasonably fresh seeds seem to germinate easily. Four seeds arrived here in Leilani Estates in Nov 1999. Three of them were for our garden. The fourth one went to a different garden. All four germinated. My three were pushing the first spike above the ground 13-17 months after being planted.

[Manolitus]

Reasonably fresh seeds seem to germinate easily. Four seeds arrived here in Leilani Estates in Nov 1999. Three of them were for our garden. The fourth one went to a different garden. All four germinated. My three were pushing the first spike above the ground 13-17 months after being planted.

Bo, I think you are correct. As some of you might have read from earlier posts of mine, I visited Seychelles in 2006 and my cousin and I brought back 5 seeds. All heavy. Only ONE has germinated to date. I am now convinced that the probable reason for the poor germination rate is that these were older seeds that were in the sellers closet for God knows how long. The fresher the seeds the better, no doubt about it.

One more thing I noticed from the picture: It my understanding that both empty and heavy seeds have to have little stickers on them so that they can legally be taken out of the country. Maybe the sticker is on the other side of the one pictured on ebay.

I would advise those willing to bid on this to keep it low, because its age can really make a difference. 2 of mine, which have been in the ground since 2006 are still heavy. So just because they're heavy doesn't necessarily mean anything. In my humble opinion.

Manny

[palmsOrl]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

[tjwalters]

I'll bet you it is the real thing, since, as mentioned above, there's no telling how high the reserve is set at. Heck...it could be on par with what one costs from Ortanique. That said, the shipping is very reasonable, probably since this is not coming from overseas. I wonder if these remain viable for long periods like Cocos seeds do. Based on the architecture of the seed it seems like it would. Somebody from PalmTalk needs to win this and we'll all find out!

-Michael

I only see empty nuts available on Ortanique...and pricey at that!

Lodoicea maldivica - One Large Empty Nut Double Cocount 575.00

Lodoicea maldivica - One Small Empty Nut Double Cocount 475.00

[sarasota alex]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

[Wai`anae Steve]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

[Gonzer]

I would prefer to buy from someone with (at least) some other botanicals for sale and not a gent who auctions video games. Just my 2¢.

[BS Man about Palms]

I would prefer to buy from someone with (at least) some other botanicals for sale and not a gent who auctions video games. Just my 2¢.

Greg,

IF its who I think it is, he was heavily involved in the So Cal Palm society for some time AND still makes it to the Santa Barbara meetings. Again, IF.

[PalmatierMeg]

Seller posted photos of both sides of seed. I see no signs of a sticker. If I were to bid (and I'm not) I would want to know how long that seed has been kicking around. But it certainly would be cool if a Palmtalker bought it and got it to germinate.

[Manolitus]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

I was under the impression that only in Sri Lanka and Singapore botanical gardens had there been palms with fruit OTHER than Seychelles.

Was completely unaware of Foster, if its true.

Manny

[palmsOrl]

By empty (as on the Ortanique site), does this imply anything about the seeds' viability? Are newer seeds "full" whereas when they get a bit older, they become empty? If they are known not to be viable, I can't imagine they would be selling them. Also, I just meant that the seller is located in the United States (California), thus it has already come from the Seychelles, so the sticker issue doesn't matter. The fact that it is here, however, might indicate that it is an older seed.

-Michael

[cagary]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

I was under the impression that only in Sri Lanka and Singapore botanical gardens had there been palms with fruit OTHER than Seychelles.

Was completely unaware of Foster, if its true.

Manny

Fosters does have fruiting Coco de Mer, but the seeds are not ready, but in a few years they will mature and I hope Fosters has a plan to protect them from poachers!

[Jeff zone 8 N.C.]

This seller has sold on E Bay for at least a couple of years or more. He used to mostly offer a few different kinds of palms. At some point not too long after I started following his offerings it seemed he found out that non perishable items were more lucrative. He is in my E Bay favorites and was reliable when I bought from him a couple of years ago. I don't remember all that I bought from him but I know he sold much larger than seedling Jubaeas. I bought one and it has been the only one I have ever been able to keep alive. It is still very healthy and has actually grown well for the hot southeast U.S. I don't give him credit for this but do give him credit for sending out a healthy plant at a good price. If anyone is interested then just contact him through the E Bay question link. I do remember he replied to questions and seemed like a good source. I would guess that he will probably be very honest with his response.

[Wai`anae Steve]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

I was under the impression that only in Sri Lanka and Singapore botanical gardens had there been palms with fruit OTHER than Seychelles.

Was completely unaware of Foster, if its true.

Manny

Manny, How could you doubt someone as honorable as me??

[Zeeth]

Let's hope the ripening of the seeds at Foster means that some more of us palmtalkers can grow this palm. Any seedlings on the west coast of Florida? I think Pine Island would be an adequately warm climate for one.

[cagary]

This seller has sold on E Bay for at least a couple of years or more. He used to mostly offer a few different kinds of palms. At some point not too long after I started following his offerings it seemed he found out that non perishable items were more lucrative. He is in my E Bay favorites and was reliable when I bought from him a couple of years ago. I don't remember all that I bought from him but I know he sold much larger than seedling Jubaeas. I bought one and it has been the only one I have ever been able to keep alive. It is still very healthy and has actually grown well for the hot southeast U.S. I don't give him credit for this but do give him credit for sending out a healthy plant at a good price. If anyone is interested then just contact him through the E Bay question link. I do remember he replied to questions and seemed like a good source. I would guess that he will probably be very honest with his response.

Here's what he said about the seed:

"I have had the seed for 4-5 years or so. It has been in the basement of my home where is it relatively cool year round. I got the seed from soemone in Santa Barbara who had the connect to he island. It did have a number on it when I got it. Wether it left the island legaly or not, not sure...as I got it through one other person."

[Zeeth]

4-5 years... I'd say it would be a lost cause, but I guess if you absolutely had to have one of this palm, and had no other source, it might be worth it for that small percentage of a chance that it will germinate.

[tjwalters]

By empty (as on the Ortanique site), does this imply anything about the seeds' viability? Are newer seeds "full" whereas when they get a bit older, they become empty? If they are known not to be viable, I can't imagine they would be selling them. Also, I just meant that the seller is located in the United States (California), thus it has already come from the Seychelles, so the sticker issue doesn't matter. The fact that it is here, however, might indicate that it is an older seed.

-Michael

I infer from that that they are hollow and not viable. In other words, merely conversation pieces.

[cagary]

Let's hope the ripening of the seeds at Foster means that some more of us palmtalkers can grow this palm. Any seedlings on the west coast of Florida? I think Pine Island would be an adequately warm climate for one.

I was at Fosters about a year and a half ago and if I remember correctly, there were about 10 to 15 pretty good size nuts a few years away from ripening, but I'm willing to bet the all of them are spoken for. The other Botanical Gardens in HI that don't have one would probably be first in line. Then other Botanical Gardens in tropical areas outside of HI probably have inquired about getting a seed, too. I doubt individual collectors will be able to get their hands on them (at least this first group of nuts).

[Cycadcenter]

I believe that Nong Nooch has several seeding as well.

Bruce

[Manolitus]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

I was under the impression that only in Sri Lanka and Singapore botanical gardens had there been palms with fruit OTHER than Seychelles.

Was completely unaware of Foster, if its true.

Manny

Manny, How could you doubt someone as honorable as me??

Steve,

I want documentation. I want pictures, affidavits and legally binding paperwork that absolutely 100 % guarantees what your saying is true !

When I went to Seychelles, I brought back this small book on all endemic palm species from Seychelles, and in there it described the only places OUTSIDE of Seychelles where there were fruiting palms and like I said in an earlier post it was Sri Lanka and Singapore. But now add Foster's to the list !!!!!

Thanks.

Manny

[Manolitus]

This seller has sold on E Bay for at least a couple of years or more. He used to mostly offer a few different kinds of palms. At some point not too long after I started following his offerings it seemed he found out that non perishable items were more lucrative. He is in my E Bay favorites and was reliable when I bought from him a couple of years ago. I don't remember all that I bought from him but I know he sold much larger than seedling Jubaeas. I bought one and it has been the only one I have ever been able to keep alive. It is still very healthy and has actually grown well for the hot southeast U.S. I don't give him credit for this but do give him credit for sending out a healthy plant at a good price. If anyone is interested then just contact him through the E Bay question link. I do remember he replied to questions and seemed like a good source. I would guess that he will probably be very honest with his response.

Here's what he said about the seed:

"I have had the seed for 4-5 years or so. It has been in the basement of my home where is it relatively cool year round. I got the seed from soemone in Santa Barbara who had the connect to he island. It did have a number on it when I got it. Wether it left the island legaly or not, not sure...as I got it through one other person."

I say toast.

Manny

[Zeeth]

Fortunately in this case the seed is already in the United States so it won't need to have a sticker (as far as I know).

-Michael

Are there fruiting double coconuts in places other than Seychelles?

Foster Gardens Honolulu

I was under the impression that only in Sri Lanka and Singapore botanical gardens had there been palms with fruit OTHER than Seychelles.

Was completely unaware of Foster, if its true.

Manny

Manny, How could you doubt someone as honorable as me??

Steve,

I want documentation. I want pictures, affidavits and legally binding paperwork that absolutely 100 % guarantees what your saying is true !

When I went to Seychelles, I brought back this small book on all endemic palm species from Seychelles, and in there it described the only places OUTSIDE of Seychelles where there were fruiting palms and like I said in an earlier post it was Sri Lanka and Singapore. But now add Foster's to the list !!!!!

Thanks.

Manny

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/44928/

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/44930/

Quick question. I have heard comparisons between the looks of this palm and the Pritchardia genus, what Pritchardia species do you guys say most closely resembles this palm?

[cagary]

Auction has ended. Highest bid was $231.50, but that wasn't high enough to met the reserve. Its been relisted.

[Walter John]

Don't wait for a seed to sprout, go out and steal one like I did. This one only took me 10 months to push it all the way home. Bloody worth it though if you ask me.

[palmsOrl]

[Manolitus]

Don't wait for a seed to sprout, go out and steal one like I did. This one only took me 10 months to push it all the way home. Bloody worth it though if you ask me.

Wal,

Where's this bad boy located ?

Manny

[Manolitus]

Auction has ended. Highest bid was $231.50, but that wasn't high enough to met the reserve. Its been relisted.

So basically, the guy is being offered less than what empty ones go for

Manny

[Zeeth]

Relisted at $750... At 5 years old, I don't know if it's worth it

[palmsOrl]

So are you telling me that Ortanique is selling $575 conversation pieces?! That just seems odd since it is a palm and cycad seed store (implying viable seed), rather than a Key West shell shop (selling novelty items).

-Michael

[LJG]

Let's hope the ripening of the seeds at Foster means that some more of us palmtalkers can grow this palm. Any seedlings on the west coast of Florida? I think Pine Island would be an adequately warm climate for one.

I was at Fosters about a year and a half ago and if I remember correctly, there were about 10 to 15 pretty good size nuts a few years away from ripening, but I'm willing to bet the all of them are spoken for. The other Botanical Gardens in HI that don't have one would probably be first in line. Then other Botanical Gardens in tropical areas outside of HI probably have inquired about getting a seed, too. I doubt individual collectors will be able to get their hands on them (at least this first group of nuts).

NTBG - McBryde Garden has some too in Kauai.